An XI of the best young players in world football.GK: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
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Chelsea’s new number one after a superb three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is undoubtedly the best young goalkeeper in the world, and certainly up there with the best keepers all round. Still only 22 years old, Courtois looks set to be a reliable first choice for the Blues for many years to come.
DR: Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid)
A superb attacking full-back, Real Madrid’s Daniel Carvajal has done well in a second spell at the Bernabeu after making a name for himself with Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old is now an established star of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, forming part of their Champions League and Copa del Rey double-winning squad.
DL: Alberto Moreno (Liverpool)
One of the most exciting signings of the summer, it is another highly promising Spaniard on the opposite side of defence, Liverpool’s new left-back Alberto Moreno. The 22-year-old shone as one of the best defenders in La Liga last season and now looks like settling in quickly in the Premier League with a terrific performance capped by a stunning solo goal in the recent win over Tottenham Hotspur.
DC: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Another highly regarded prospect at Real Madrid, 21-year-old French centre-back Raphael Varane is a world class player in the making after an impressive couple of years in the first-team at the Bernabeu. Chelsea are known to be big admirers of the youngster, with Jose Mourinho handing the player his debut during his time in charge in the Spanish capital.
DC: Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)
A player yet to make a competitive appearance since joining Chelsea this summer, Kurt Zouma could still have an impact for the club in the near future and is one for the long-term after looking like one of the most promising defenders in Europe with his fine performances for previous club Saint-Etienne last term. Still only 19, there is plenty of time for Zouma to develop further and make a name for himself, and he is truly up there with the best young talents in the world.
MC: Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Having somehow failed to make the first-team during a spell with Manchester United earlier in his career, Paul Pogba has developed into one of the world’s top midfielders already after just two seasons with Juventus. The 21-year-old looks like having a bit of everything in his game, showing himself to be a superb athlete and technically skillful player in the middle of the park. Big names such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with Pogba in recent times, and recent reports suggest that Arsenal could be lining up a sensational £60m move for him next summer.
MC: Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Already a fairly experienced member of the Atletico Madrid team, Spanish playmaker Koke looks like being the latest in superb talents to come through in La Liga. The 22-year-old was part of Diego Simeone’s title-winning team last season, providing high numbers in goals and assists to later attract interest from big names such as Manchester United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
AMR: Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Perhaps the best teenager in world football at the moment, Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is currently carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he looks like one of the few bright hopes for the future in this struggling England team. The 19-year-old will have a key role to play for his team in their crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland, and also looks like being a big name for his club for many years to come.
AML: Neymar (Barcelona)
Signed by Barcelona in a big-money deal last summer, Brazilian starlet Neymar is perhaps the best young player in the world at the moment, enjoying a superb record with his previous club Santos and showing plenty of promise in his first season at the Nou Camp. The 22-year-old is also a vitally important player for his national side, with 55 caps and 36 goals to his name already in a phenomenal start to his career.
AMC: Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich)
Long regarded as the biggest prospect in German football, Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Mario Goetze truly announced himself on the biggest stage this summer as he netted his country’s winner against Argentina in the World Cup final. The 22-year-old is a highly skillful and intelligent player, and his goal to win the final was worthy of the occasion, as he showed great techinque and composure to chest down Andre Schurrle’s cross and steer the ball home on his weaker left foot. Goetze also has three Bundesliga titles to his name already, and will surely add plenty more trophies in the rest of his career.
FC: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Despite not being given a chance at Chelsea, Everton’s £28m signing Romelu Lukaku is certainly one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe and arguably the best young striker in the world. The Belgian international has been in highly prolific form in the Premier League of late, and should prove a wise purchase by Toffees boss Roberto Martinez, as they beat a host of top clubs to his signature this summer.
Best young XI in full: